SOCHI, Russia — Activist members of the protest group Pussy Riot were attacked in downtown Sochi on Wednesday by plainclothes police officers using an irritant spray and by Cossacks brandishing horsewhips.

Members of the group were being filmed donning fluorescent balaclavas and singing by the city’s seaport when the attack occurred.

The group members came to Sochi on Sunday intending to record images for a new protest video featuring a song called “Putin Will Teach You to Love the Motherland,” referring to President Vladimir V. Putin, and they have had repeated encounters with the authorities since they arrived. — NYTimes

Can’t wait for that romantic video! Especially in the original Russian. Meanwhile, here’s a vid of courageous uniformed peace officers horsewhipping and beating up girls. Grab your popcorn!